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Imprint 



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A GUIDE MANUAL 



MAMMOTH CAVE 



o 



F KENTUCKY. ^*<To^"^*. 



BT 



CHARLES W. WUIGFIT, M.D., 

PS0FF.3S0R OF CHEMISTRY I.V THK KFNTUOKY SCHOOL OF MfiDIOttm, 

FOBMERLT PROFESSOR OF CICnMlSTKY IX THE MKDICAI. 

COI.LtGK Or OHIO. 



LOUISVILLE. KY.t 
PRINTED BY BRAI^I.KY «fc air.BKRT. 

1860. 



^<i^x. 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 18G0, by 

H. A. HUGHES, 

iu the clerk's office of the District Court of the United States for the Dis- 
trict of Kentucky. 

STEREOTYPED AT THE FRANKLIN TVPE FOUNDRY, CI^C1^NATI, 0. 






r^f ac^. 



The object of tue author of this little work is to place 
before the public, in a popular style, the Chemistry, Ge- 
ology, and Zoology, of the Mammoth Caye, together with 
a brief description of all the^ rooms, avenues, domes, 
rivers, etc., that are worth the trouble of exploring. 

Anything like an accurate description of the Cave has 
not been attempted. In fact, such an effort, from the 
very nature of the subject, would be attended with failure. 
The beauty, sublimity and grandeur of the Mammoth 
Cave, to be appreciated, must be seen. The awful, over- 
powering silence, the deep darkness, together with a 
knowledge of the fact that the time which nature required 
to build this subterranean region is lost in the mists of 
infinity, produce a combination of emotions which are 
never experienced in the upper world. 

The sole object aimed at, has been to furnish to those 
who have never visited the Cave, some idea of its size 
and formation, and to those who wish to explore it, a 
guide-manual, which will do away with the necessity of 
taking notes, and from which they can select those points, 
which, should their time be limited, they are most desirous 
of visiting. It must be distinctly borne in mind that all 
the points of interest herein detailed, can not be seen in 

(V) 



VI PREFACE. 



a day. In fact, no one can form a correct idea of the 
beauty and immensity of the Mammoth Cave, who does 
not spend a week in exploring it, and all of the more 
striking objects should be visited at least twice. 



LouisviiLE, Kt., March, 1860, 



^\xi\o&nttton 



THE PEOPEIETOES. 



Messrs.^ OWSLY, CRITTENDEN & CO. are 
the proprietors of the Mammoth Cave. They are 
high-toned gentlemen, whose courteous and polite 
demeanor to visitors, renders the Cave a popular place 
of summer resort. Their gentlemanly assistants 
leave nothing undone that can contribute to the 
comfort and pleasure of those who visit the Cave 
Hotel. 



THE GUIDES. 



There are three guides at the Cave, viz.: Mat 
and Nicholas Bransford, (colored,) and F. M. De- 
Monbrun. 

Mat is thirty-seven years old, and has acted in 
the capacity of guide for nineteen years. He is 
polite and affable, and is particular about calling 
attention to everything worthy of observation. The 
aggregate distance he has traveled in the Cave, is 
not less than fifty thousand miles. 

(7) 



8 INTRODUCTION. 

Nicholas is thirty-five years of age, and has been 
a guide for seventeen years, and the distance which 
he has traveled in the Cave, from the fact that he 
has enjoyed uninterrupted good health, is not less 
than that accomplished by Mat. He is active and 
polite, and takes great interest in exhibiting the 
Cave to the best advantage. 

The other guide, Frank DeMonbrun, has acted in 
that capacity for twelve years. He is an intelligent 
and accommodating gentleman, and perfectly familiar 
with all parts of the Cave ; and his obliging and 
courteous demeanor to visitors, makes him an especial 
favorite with the ladies. 

The abrupt manner in which it is necessary for 
the guides to address visitors in dangerous places, 
must not be confounded with insolence, as it is abso- 
lutely essential at many points. 

Stephen, who had been a guide two years longer 
than Mat, died in July, 1857. Although a great 
deal has been said and written about him, from the 
fact that he was the Tavorite of the original proprie- 
tor, he was in no respect superior to either Mat or 
Nicholas, nor was his acquaintance with the Cave 
more thorough or extensive. 



THE CAVE BAND. 



The Cave Band, by study and long practice, 
have adapted their music to the different avenues of 
the Cave, the effect of which, particularly on Echo 
River, is peculiarly enchanting. 

During the winter season, the members of the 
Cave Band constitute the principal part of the 
orchestra of the Louisville Theater. 



INTRODUCTION. 



CAVE COSTUME. 



The proper costume for a gentleman consists of a 
jacket, heavy boots, and a cloth cap. 

The Bloomer or Turkish dress is the proper cos- 
tume for a lady. It may be plain, or fancifully 
trimmed, to suit the wearer. When trimmed in 
lively colors, which is always advisable, the effect is 
beautiful, particularly if the party be large. Flannel 
or cloth is the proper material. It must be borne 
in mind that the temperature of the Cave is fifty- 
nine degrees. 

Every lady carries a lamp, and in no case, except 
that of illness, should she take a gentleman's arm. 
It is fatiguing to both parties, and exceedingly awk- 
ward in appearance. 



LOCATION. 

The Mammoth Cave is situated in Edmonson 
county, Kentucky, ninety-five miles south of Louis- 
ville, or halfway between Louisville and Nashville; 
and is accessible by the Louisville and Nashville 
Railroad, which passes within seven miles of the 
Cave, at Bell's Station, where conveyances are in 
readiness to convey passengers to and from the 
Cave. 

The Cave Hotel is capable of accommodating 
between four and five hundred visitors. The rooms 
are furnished in the best style, and the table is not 
surpassed by that of any hotel in the Union, At- 
tached to the hotel is a magnificent ball-room, which 
is fitted up in the most approved manner. 

The scenery in the vicinity of the Mammoth Cave 



10 INTRODUCTION. 

is almost without a rival. Green River, with its 
towering cliflfs, is but a few hundred yards from the 
hotel, and affords good fishing and pleasant boat 
excursions, which, together with the magnificent 
grounds, promenades, swings, etc., attached to the 
hotel, conspire to render a visit peculiarly attractive. 





A GUIDE MANUAL 



MAMMOTH CAVE OF KENTUCKY, 



CHAPTER I 



SECTION I. 
ENTRANCE TO THE CAVE. 

The entrance to the Cave is one hundred and 
ninety-four feet above Green River, and is about 
twenty-five feet in bight, by about thirty in width, 
over which may be seen, at all seasons, a mist or fog, 
which, when the external air is warmer than that of 
the Cave, is produced by the «ondensation of the 
moisture of the former by the reduced temperature 
of the latter. On the contrary, when the tempera- 
ture of the external atmosphere is less than that of 
the Cave, the moisture of the air of the latter is 
condensed in a similar manner. When the tempera- 
ture of the outer air is the same as that of the Cave, 
no fog or cloud is observable at its mouth. 

The entrance to the Mammoth. Cave, at an early 
period of its history, was situated about half a mile 
from its present location, constituting what is now 
called the mouth of Dickson's Cave. This cave 
terminates within a few feet of the mouth of the 

(11) 



12 MAMMOTH CAVE. 

Mammotli Cave, but there is at present no direct 
communication between the two. The voice of a 
person at the end of Dickson's Cave, can be distinctly 
heard at the entrance of Mammoth Cave. 

The present entrance to Mammoth Cave was 
formed, and its communication with Dickson's Gave 
cut off by the disintegrating action of the water of 
the spring, w^hich discharges its contents from the 
ceiling, at the mouth of the former, and which caused 
the Cave at this point to fall in — thus establishing a 
new entrance, and shortening the length of the Cave 
by about a half mile. Dickson's Cave differs little 
in size and appearance from Proctor's Arcade, in the 
Mammoth Cave. 



SECTION II. 

EESPIRATION OF THE CAVE. 

The Mammoth Cave breathes once a year. That 
is to say, in summer, or when the temperature of the 
external air is above that of the Cave, the current 
sets from the latter to the former. In other words, 
the Cave is the entire summer in making an expira- 
tion. On the other hand, when the order is reversed, 
or the temperature of the outer atmosphere is below 
59 degrees, the Cave makes an inspiration, or draws 
in its breath, which it accomplishes during the 
winter. The respiratory mechanism of the Cave 
ceases to operate, or, to carry out the metaphor — it 
holds its breath — when the mercury in the thermom- 
eter stands at 59 degrees in the outer air; which is 
the average temperature of all parts of the Cave, 
winter and summer. Hence it is frequently observed, 
in the spring and fall, that there is no motion of air 
in either direction at the mouth of the Cave. 



MAMMOTH CAVE. 13 

On entering the Cave for a few hundred yards, in 
summer, when the temperature is at or near 100 
degrees, the air rushes out with such force as fre- 
quently to extinguish the lamps. Passing into the 
Cave for about a half mile, however, the motion of 
air is barely perceptible at any time, from the fact 
that the main avenue enlarges so rapidly that it 
plays the part of a reservoir, where a current of air, 
from any direction, is speedily neutralized. If a 
current of air blows from without, inward, and is 
below 59 degrees, it does not pass more than a 
quarter of a mile before it is brought up to that 
point. Air above the average temperature of the 
Cave, never blows into it. 

Thus it will be observed that a change of seasons 
is unknown in the Mammoth Cave; and day and 
night, morning and evening, have no existence in 
this subterranean world. In fact, there is an eternal 
sameness here, the like of which has no parallel. 

In many parts of the Cave, time itself is not an 
element of change ; for where there is no variation 
of temperature, no water, and no light, the three 
great forces of geological transformation cease to 
operate. 



SECTION III. 

ATMOSPHEEE OF THE CAVE. 

The proportions of oxygen and nitrogen bear the 
same relation to each other in the Mammoth Cave 
that they do in the external air. The proportion of 
carbonic acid gas is less than that observed in the 
atmosphere of the surrounding country, upon an 
average of many observations. In the dry parts of 
the Cave the proportion is about 2 to 10,000 of air ; 



14 MAMMOTH CAVE. 

in the vicinity of the rivers, something less. Not a 
trace of ammonia can be detected in those parts of 
the cave not commonly visited. The amount of the 
vapor of water varies. Thus, in those avenues at a 
great distance from the rivers, upon the walls and 
floors of which there is a deposit of nitrate of lime, 
the air is almost entirely destitute of -moisture, from 
the hygroscopic properties of that salt, and animal 
matter mummifies instead of suffering putrefactive 
decomposition. And for the same reason, no matter 
what state of division the disintegrated rock may 
attain, dust never rises. In portions of the Cave 
remote from the localities in which the bats hyber- 
nate, no organic matter can be recognized by the 
most delicate tests. Not a trace of ozone can be 
detected by the most sensitive reagents. 

From what has been stated, it will be observed 
that the atmosphere of the Mammoth Cave is freer 
from those substances which are calculated to exert 
a depressing and septic influence on the animal 
economy than that of any other locality of the 
globe. This great difference is observed by every 
one on leaving the Cave, after having remained in it 
for a number of hours. In such instances, the 
impurity of the external air is almost insufferably 
offensive to the sense of smell, and the romance of 
a " pure country air," is forever dissipated. 

What diseases would be benefited, or rendered 
worse, by resorting to the Mammoth Cave? 

Consumptives, at one time, resorted to the Cave, 
and, as might have been anticipated, with fatal 
results. Several of them died there, and all of them 
soon after exposure to the external air. One patient 
did not see the light of the sun, for a period of five 
months. Short trips are attended with advantage, 
but a Cave-residence is speedily fatal. 

I know of no inflammatory disease that is rendered 



MAMMOTH CAVE. 15 

worse by a resort to the Mammoth Cave. On the 
contrary short and easy trips have been known to 
effect a cure in chronic dysentery and diarrhea, 
where all other measures had failed. 

In all those diseases where absolute silence, and 
the total exclusion of light are indicated, the Cave, 
above all other places, possesses pre- eminent ad- 
vantages ; for nowhere else have we these conditions 
combined. The only condition in which risk is 
incurred is during the menstrual period. Serious, 
and even fatal results have been the consequence of 
inattention to this fact. 

The temperatur-e of the Mammoth Cave is uni- 
formly fifty-nine degrees, winter and summer, which, 
in connection with the remarkable purity of its 
atmosphere, will account for the fact that individuals 
are enabled to undergo such an unusual amount of 
physical exertion in it. It is not an uncommon 
occurrence for a person in delicate health to accom- 
plish a journey of twenty miles in the Cave, without 
suffering from fatigue, who could not be prevailed 
upon to walk a distance of three miles on the sur- 
face of the earth. 



CHAPTER II 



HOW THE MAMMOTH CAVE WAS FORMED. 

The agencies concerned in tlie formation of the 
Mammoth Cave, may be divided into Chemical and 
Mechanical. 



SECTION I. 
CHEMICAL AGENCIES. 



There can be no doubt but that the solvent action 
of water holding carbonic acid in solution, was the 
primary agency concerned in the formation of the 
Cave. Thus, the limestone, or carbonate of lime, 
which constitutes the strata of rock through which 
the Cave runs, is not soluble in water until it com- 
bines with an additional proportion of carbonic acid, 
by which it is transformed into the bicarbonate of 
lime. In this way the process of excavation was 
conducted, until communications were established 
with running water, by which the mechanical agency 
of that fluid was made to assist the chemical. The 
little niches and recesses which are observed in 
various parts of the Cave, and which seem to have 
been chiseled out and polished by artificial means, 
were formed in this manner ; for when these points 
are closely examined, a crevice will be observed at 
(16) 



MAMMOTH CAVE. 17 

the top or back of them, through which water issued 
at the time of their formation, but which has been 
■partially closed by crystals of carbonate of lime, or 
gypsum. At the time these niches were forming, 
water flowed through the avenues in which they are 
found. Examples of the action we have been 
describing, may be seen in Spark's Avenue, leading 
to the Mammoth Dome. 

The grooves which arc observed in rock over 
which water is, or has been flowing, are also formed 
by the solvent action of water containing carbonic 
acid ; for in all such instances, the water has no 
solid matter in suspension. Examples of this kind 
of action may be seen in operation in Mammoth and 
Gorin's Domes; and evidences of its former action 
may be observed in Lucy's Dome. What are termed 
the "pigeon-holes," in the Main Cave, are cut out 
of the solid rock in the same manner. 

When water, holding the bicarbonate of lime in 
solution, drops slowly from the ceiling, by which it 
is exposed to the air sufficiently long to allow of the 
escape of one equivalent of carbonic acid gas, the 
lime is deposited in the form of the proto-carbonate 
of lime. If the deposit occurs in such a manner 
that the accumulation takes place from above, 
downward, in the form of an icicle, it constitutes 
what is termed a stalactite; but if it accumulate from 
below, upward, it is called a stalagmite. Stalactites 
and stalagmites frequently meet in the center, and 
become cemented, by which a column of support is 
formed. Many instances of this kind are to bo 
found in Gothic Arcade and Fairy Grotto. 

If the limestone which forms the stalactite is per- 
fectly pure, it will be white or semi-transparent; if 
it contains oxyd of iron, it will be of a red or yel- 
lowish color. When a stalactite is black, it contains 
2 



18 MAMMOTH CAVE. 

tlie black oxyd of iron. The stalaginitic cinders in 
Vulcan's Smithy, and the grapes in Martha's Vine- 
yard, are colored with black oxyd of iron. 

Another agency which contributes in part to 
change the appearance of the Cave, is the efflores- 
cence of the sulphate of soda or Glauber-salts, and 
the crystallization of sulphate of lime or plaster of 
Paris. 

The sulphate of lime, which is known under the 
names of gypsum, plaster of Paris, selenite, alabajs- 
ter, etc., exerts a much greater influence in disin- 
tegrating the rock than the sulphate of soda. The 
avenues in which gypsum occurs are perfectly dry ; 
differing in that respect from those which contain 
stalactites. When rosettes of alabaster are formed 
in the same avenue with stalactites, the water which 
formed the latter, has for ages ceased to ^ow, or 
they are situated far apart, as the former can not 
form in a damp atmosphere. The force exerted by 
gypsum in the act of crystallizing, is about equal to 
that of water when freezing, for when it crystallizes 
between ledges, or strata of rock, they arc fractured 
in every direction, as instanced in Pcnsacola Avenue 
and Rhoda's Arcade. 

The formation of niter is duo, in part, to the 
decomposition of the remains of bats and other ani- 
mals, but it must not be forpotten that limestone 
rocks are never entirely destitute of nitrifiublu mat- 
ter. The nitric acid which enters into its composition 
may, in some measure, be derived from the atmos- 
phere. The kind of niter that is found in the Cave 
is the nitrate of lime, which, when re-acted upon by 
the carbonate of potash, is transformed into nitrate 
of potash or common saltpeter. This was the course 
pursued by the saltpeter miners, when that substance 
was manufactured in the Cave in 1812-14. The 



MAMMOTH CAVE. 19 

r nitrate of lime is found in the dryer parts of tlie 
Cave, but is not discoverable till the earth which 
contains it is lixiviated. 



SECTION 11. 
MECHANICAL AGENCIES. 



The mechanical agencies concerned in the excava- 
tion of the Mammoth Cave are trifling when com- 
pared to the chemical. 

They are instanced in the transportation of gravel, 
sand, and clay, from one part of the Cave to another, 
and in the abraded appearance presented by the rock 
composing certain avenues. Thus, it is possible to 
tell the direction which the water ran in most of the 
avenues, and the rapidity of its motion, by observing 
the points at which gravel, sand, and clay are depos- 
ited, and the order in which they come. For example, 
the points at which gravel is deposited indicate a 
rapid current ; where sand is found the movement 
was slower ; and where clay occurs the water was 
almost or quite stationary. 

At one time water rushed with great force through 
Fat Man's Misery, for in Great Relief, which is just 
beyond, washed gravel occiirs ; still farther sand is 
found, which is succeeded by clay: showing that the 
current was in the direction of Echo River. Before 
the mechanical agency could have exerted any appre- 
ciable influence, the chemical must have been in 
operation thousands of ages. 

The loose rocks that are scattered on the floor of 
many of the avenues, have fallen from the walls and 
ceiling, but in many instances the points from which 
they were detached are indistinct, from the fact that 



20 MAMMOTH CAVE. 

the rugged surface from which they have fallen is 
either smoothed by the action of water, or covered 
by crystals of the carbonate or sulphate of lime. In 
those parts of the Cave where no rocks have fallen, 
the floor presents the appearance of the bed of a 
river, and is covered with gravel, sand, or clay, 
according to the rapidity of the flow of water at the 
time of the deposit. No rocks have fallen since the 
discovery of the Cave. 



SECTION III. 
CONNECTION BETWEEN THE CAVE AND GEEEN RIVER. 

There is an interesting relation subsisting between 
Mammoth Cave and Green River. 

Thus, there can be no doubt but that Green River 
has cut out the "bed or channel through which it 
runs, for on ascending its banks on either side for a 
di.stance of not less than three hundred feet, a plain 
is reached, which is not succeeded by a valley ; 
establishing conclusively that it has worn its bed to 
its present level by the mechanical and chemical 
agency of water, and that the avenues of the Cave 
were cut through with nearly equal pace : those near 
the surface of the earth being formed first, and the 
others in regular order from above downward ; the 
avenues through which Echo and Roaring rivers run 
being the lowest and last formed. Both of these 
rivers are on a level with Green River, with which 
there is a subterraneous communication. As Green 
River continues to deepen the valley through which 
it runs, the avenues of the Cave will continue to 
descend, until the springs which supply Echo and 



MAMMOTH CAVE. 



21 



Roaring rivers cease to flow, when the avenues 
through which they run will become as dry as 
Marion's Avenue, which at an early period in the 
history of the Cave, contained the most beautiful 
subterranean river in the world. 




CHAPTER III. 
THE MAIN CAVE. 

After leaving a small archway near the moutli of 
the Cave, the sides of which are walled with rock, 
which the salpeter manufacturers obtained from the 
floor at this point, and which is called the Narrows, 
the visitor enters the Main Cave, which is six miles 
in length, and which varies from forty to one hun- 
dred feet in hight, and from sixty to three hundred 
feet in width. 



SECTION I. 
THE ROTUNDA. 



The Rotunda is entered on leaving the Narrows. 
The ceiling is about one hundred feet high, and its 
greatest diameter one hundred and seventy-five feet. 

The floor is strewn with the remains of vats, 
water-pipes, and other materials used by the salpeter 
miners, in 1812. The wood of which they are made 
shows no indications of decay. 

To the right of the Rotunda, Audubon's Avenue 
leads off for about half a mile, to a collection of 
stalactites. During the winter; millions of bats hy- 
bernate in this avenue. 
(22) 



MAMMOTH CAVE. 23 

At the entrance of Audubon's Avenue, small cot- 
tages were built fifteen years ago, for the residence 
of persons afflicted with consumption, under the im- 
pression that they would be benefited by a uniform 
temperature. The idea that consumptive patients 
could be cured by a residence in the Cave, must have 
resulted from a total misconception as to the nature 
of pthisis, as it is well known that the absence of 
light will develop the scrofulous diathesis, and cause 
a deposit of tubercles in the lungs. The truth of 
this position was established in the cases of those 
who resorted to the Cave for relief; inasmuch as 
three of them died there, and the majority of those 
who remained any considerable length of time, died 
within periods varying from three days to three 
weeks after leaving it. Those patients who remained 
in the Cave three or four months, presented a fright- 
ful appearance. The face was entirely bloodless, 
eyes sunken, and pupils dilated to such a degree that 
the iris ceased to bo visible, so that, no matter what 
the original color of the eye might have been, it soon 
appeared black. 

Although persons who are afi'ected with consump- 
tion are rendered much worse by a residence in the 
Cave, they need not be deterred from making short 
excursions in it, for when not carried to such a 
degree as to occasion fatigue, they are always at- 
tended with advantage. Over-excitement of the 
brain, and incipient insanity, would undoubtedly be 
benefited by a Cave residence. Here absolute silence 
can be obtained, which cannot be had anywhere else, 
and which is the great desideratum in brain afi'ections. 
It is surprising how rapidly the night influence is 
felt in the Cave, which is indicated by pallor of the 
cheeks, yawning, and an irresistible tendency to 
sleep. Persons who first visit the Cave are not, as a 
general thing, thus affected, because of the novelty 



24 MAMMOTH CAVE. 

of their situation, and the many objects which attract 
their attention. This tendency to sleep is not due 
to any impurity of the atmosphere, for the proportion 
of carbonic acid is even less than it is in_the outer 
air, bTit is referable solely to the complete silence 
and total absence of light. It is perhaps the only 
place where a person can count the pulsations of his 
own heart by listening to its beat; in fact, the pul- 
sations of the heart of another person can be counted 
at a distance of several feet. 

Thunder is never heard in the Mammoth Cave, and 
a gentleman who was in it at the time a shock of an 
earthquake was experienced on the surface of the 
earth, did not perceive it. 

The Rotunda is situated under the dining-room of 
the Cave Hotel. 



SECTION II. 
METHODIST CHURCH. 



On leaving the Rotunda, and passing huge over- 
hanging cliffs to the left, which closely resemble the 
cliffs of the Kentucky River, after which they are 
named, the Methodist Church is entered. It is eighty 
feet in diameter, by about forty in hight. Here, 
from the gallery or pulpit, which consists of a ledge 
of rocks twenty-five feet in hight, the Cospel was 
expounded more than fifty years ago. The benches, 
or logs, occupy the same position which they did 
when first placed in the Church. 



MAMMOTH CAVE. 25 

SECTION III. 
GIANT'S COFFIN — ANT-EATEE, Etc. 

After leaving the Grothic Galleries, which lead to 
the Gothic Avenue, of which we will have occasion 
to speak further on, the Grand Arch is entered, 
which leads to the Giant's CoflBn. This arch is 
about fifty feet high and sixty wide. 

To the left of the path leading to the Giant's 
Coffin, are found two immense rocks, many tuns in 
weight, which have fallen from above, and are stand- 
ing in an upright position. 

The Giant's Coffin is a huge rock, forty feet long, 
twenty wide, and eight in depth, and at the point 
from which it is viewed, presents a striking resem- 
blance to a coffin. It has been detached from the 
side of the avenue against which it rests. The 
avenue at the foot of the Giant's Coffin leads into 
the Deserted Chamber. 

On the ceiling, a little to the left of the Giant's 
Coffin, and looking into the Deserted Chamber, is 
the figure of an ant-eater. It is composed of the 
efflorescence of black gypsum, and rests upon a back- 
ground of white limestone. The resemblance of the 
figure to the animal after which it is named, is com- 
plete. 

A short distance beyond the Giant's Coffin, in the 
Main Cave, after passing what is called the Acute 
Angle, a group of figures is observed on the ceiling, 
which is termed the Giant, Wife, and Child. These 
figures are in a sitting posture, and the Giant appears 
to be in the act of passing the Child to the Giantess. 
They are also composed of black gypsum, which 
rests on a white background. 

Still further on, the figure of a colossal mammoth 
may be observed on the ceiling. 
3 



26 MAMMOTH CAVE. 

From the Giant's Coffin to the mouth of the Cave, 
wheel tracks, and the impression of the feet of oxen 
may be seen, which were made nearly fifty years ago. 
The earth, at the time these impressions were left, 
was moist, as most of it had been lixiviated in the 
manufacture of saltpeter, but at the present time it 
is perfectly dry, and almost of the consistency of 
stone. 

From the Acute Angle to the Star Chamber, sev- 
eral stone cottages, which were formerly inhabited 
by consumptives, are still standing. 



SECTION ly. 
THE STAR CHAMBER. 

The Star Chamber is situated in the Main Cave, 
it is sixty feet in hight, seventy in width, and about 
five hundred in length. The ceiling is composed of 
black gypsum, and is studded with innumerable white 
points, which, by a dim light, present a most strik- 
ing resemblance to stars. Tbese points, or stars, are 
produced, in part, by an eflQorescence of Glauber's 
salts beneath the black gypsum, which causes it to 
scale ofi"; and in part by throwing stones against it, 
by which it is detached from the white limestone. 
In the far extremity of the Chamber a large mass 
has been separated, by which a white surface is 
exposed, termed the Comet. 

When the guide takes the lamps and descends 
behind a ledge of rocks, by which a cloud is made 
to pass slowly over the ceiling, it is difficult to divest 
one's self of the idea that a storm is approaching. It 
needs but the flash of lightning and the roar of 
thunder to make the illusion complete. 



MAMMOTH CAVE. 27 

After producing the storm illusion, the guide dis- 
appears with the lamps, through a lower archway, 
several hundred yards in length, leaving the visitor 
in total darkness, and re-appears at the eastern 
extremity of the Star Chamber, holding the lights 
ill advance, which, as he slowly elevates them from 
the cavern from which he rises, produces the illu- 
sion of the rising sun. 

With the exception of Echo River, the Star 
Chamber is, perhaps, the most attractive object in 
the Cave. 



SECTION V. 
FLOATING CLOUD EOOM. 



The Floating Cloud Room connects the Star 
Chamber with Proctor's Arcade. 

The clouds are produced by the scaling off of 
black gypsum from the ceiling, by an eflflorescence of 
sulphate of soda beneath it, by which a white sur- 
face is exposed. They appear to be drifting from 
the Star Chamber over the Chief City. The Cloud 
Room is a quarter of a mile in length, and in hight 
and width corresponds with the Star Chamber. 



SECTION VI. 
PEOCTOE'S AECADE. 

This is the most magnificent natural tunnel in the 
world. It is a hundred feet in width, forty-five in 
hight, and three quarters of a mile in length. The 
ceiling is smooth, and the walls vertical, and look 



28 MAMMOTH CAVE. 

as thougli they had been chiseled out of the solid 
rock. When this tunnel is illuminated with a Ben- 
gal light at Kinney's Arena, which is its western 
terminus, the view is magnificent beyond conception. 

This arcade is named in honor of Mr. L. J. Proc- 
tor, the proprietor of the Cave. 

Kinney's Arena is a hundred feet in diameter 
and fifty feet in hight. From the ceiling, in the 
center of the Arena, there projects a stick, three 
feet in length and two inches in diameter. It rests 
parallel with the ceiling, and is inserted into a 
crevice in the rock. How it was placed in its pres- 
ent position is a difficult question to settle, inas- 
much as it could not have been inserted in the 
position it occupies by artificial means. 



SECTION YII. 
WBIGHT'S ROTUNDA. 



After passing the S Bend, which has no particu- 
lar points of attraction, Wright's Rotunda is entered. 

This rotunda is four hundred feet in its shortest 
diameter. The ceiling is from ten to forty-five feet 
in hight, and is perfectly level, the apparent difi'er- 
ence in hight being produced by the irregularity of 
the floor. It is astonishing that the ceiling has 
strength to sustain itself, for it is not more than fifty 
feet from the surface of the earth. Fortunately the 
Cave at this point is perfectly dry, and no change 
of any kind is transpiring in it, otherwise there 
might be some risk of its falling in, as evidences of 
Ruch occurrences are to be found in the surrounding 
country. 

When this immense area is illuminated at the two 



MAMMOTH CAVE. 29 

extremes, simultaneously, it presents a most mag- 
nificent appearance. 

At the eastern extremity of the Rotunda, is a 
column, four feet in diameter, extending from the 
floor to the ceiling, termed Nicholas' Monument, 
after one of the old guides. 

The Fox Avenue communicates with the Rotunda, 
and S Bend. It is about five hundred yards in 
length, and is worth exploring. 

A short distance beyond Wright's Rotunda, the 
Main Cave sends off several avenues or branches. 
That to the left leads to the Black Chamber, which 
is one hundred and fifty feet wide, and twenty in 
bight, the walls and ceiling of which are incrusted 
with black gypsum. It is the most gloomy room in 
the Cave. 

There are two avenues leading off to the right. 
The far one communicates with Fairy Grotto, which 
contains a most magnificent collection of stalagmites. 
It is a mile in length. The other avenue communi- 
cates with Solitary Cave, at the entrance of which 
there is a small cascade. 



SECTION VIII. 
THE CHIEF CITY. 



The Chief City is situated in the Main Cave be- 
yond the Rocky Pass. 

It is about two hundred feet in diameter and forty 
in higbt. The floor is covered at different points 
with piles of rock, which present the appearance of 
the ruins of an ancient city. 

From the Chief City to the end of the Main Cave,, 
a distance of three miles, there are several points at 



30 



MAMMOTH CAVE. 



which the appearance which this avenae presented 
when filled with running water, may be observed, 
where the overhanging cliiFs closely resemble those 
in the Pass of El Ghor, of recent formation. 

The Main Cave is terminated abruptly by rocks 
that have fallen from above. It must not, however, 
he supposed that this is the end of it, for there can 
be no doubt that it was closed at this point in the 
same manner as Dickson's Cave was terminated, and 
that the removal of the obstructing rock would open 
a communication with a cave of the same size as the 
one we have been attempting to describe. 



®jJi 




CHAPTER IV. 



THE LONG ROUTE. 

On entering upon the Long Route, the visitor 
leaves the Main Cave at the foot of the Giant's Cof- 
fin, and passes into the Deserted Chamber. The 
distance from the mouth of the Cave to the Mael- 
strom, which is situated at the end of the Long 
Route, is nine miles. The trip is generally accom- 
plished in about twelve hours. 



SECTION I. 
THE DESEETED CHAMBER. 

The Deserted Chamber is the point at which the 
water left the Main Cave to reach Echo River, after 
it had ceased to flow out of the mouth of the former 
into Green River. In other respects it is not of par- 
ticular interest. 



SECTION II. 
WOODEN BOWL CAVE. 



The Wooden Bowl Cave is next in order. It re- 
ceives its name from the fact that a wooden bowl, 
Buch as was used by the Indians in early times wa« 

(31i 



32 MAMMOTH CAVE. 

found in it when it was first discovered. The Cave 
itself is the shape of an inverted wooden bowl. 

Black-Snake Avenue, which enters the Main Cave 
near the stone cottages, communicates with Wooden 
Bowl Cave. It receives its name from its serpentine 
course, and black walls. 



SECTION III. 
MARTHA'S PALACE. 



Martha's Palace is entered by passing a steep 
declivity and pair of steps, called the Steeps of Time. 
The Palace is about forty feet in hight and sixty in 
diameter. It is not particularly attractive. 

A short distance beyond Martha's Palace is a 
spring of clear, potable water. 



SECTION ly. 

SIDE-SADDLE PIT AND MINERVA'S DOME. 

The Side-Saddle Pit, over which there rests a 
dome sixty feet in hight, is reached by passing 
through what is called the Arched Way, the walls, 
floor, and ceiling of which bear evidence that it was 
once the channel of running water. This pit is 
ninety feet deep, and at its widest part about twenty 
feet across. 

Minerva's Dome is situated about twenty feet to 
the left of the Side-Saddle Pit. It is fifty feet in 
hight and ten in width. It is a miniature repre- 
sentation of Gorin's Dome. The Dome and Pit have 
been cut out of the solid rock by the solvent action 



MAMMOTH CAVE. 33 

of water containing carbonic acid in solution. They 
are still enlarging. 

The aperture leading to the Pit presents the out- 
lines of a side-saddle, hence the name. 



SECTION V. 
BOTTOMLESS PIT AND SHELBY'S DOME. 

The Bottomless Pit, paradoxical as the statement 
may appear, is but one hundred and seventy-five feet 
deep. Its width varies from fifteen to twenty feet. 
A substantial wooden bridge, termed the Bridge of 
Sighs, is thrown across it, from which it may be 
viewed in safety. 

Shelby's Dome, which is sixty feet in hight, rests 
directly over the Bottomless Pit. The Pit and Dome 
have been formed, and are still enlarging by the 
y same causes that excavated the Side-Saddle Pit. 



SECTION VI. 
REVELERS' HALL. 



On leaving the Bottomless Pit, a room is entered, 
which is about twenty feet in hight and forty in 
diameter. Here it is the custom of visitors to rest 
for a short time, and discuss the terrors of the Pit. 
This is generally followed by the bringing forth of 
the potables, when the health and safety of all par- 
ties are duly swallowed. 



84 MAMMOTH CAVE. 

SECTION VII. 
THE SCOTCHMAN'S TEAP. 

After passing through a low archway, about four 
I'eet in hight, termed the Valley of Humility, the 
ceiling of which is smooth and white, and appears 
as though it had been plastered, the Scotchman's 
Trap is entered. The Trap is a circular opening, 
through which it is necessary to descend, about five 
feet in diameter, over which is suspended a huge 
rock, which, if it were to fall, would completely close 
the avenue leading to Echo Eiver. If, however, this 
opening were to close, there are three ways by which 
an escape might be effected. Thus : there is an 
avenue beyond it, which enters the bottom of the 
Bottomless Pit, from which a person might be drawn 
by means of ropes ; another means of escape would 
be by Bunyan's Way, which leads into Pensacola 
Avenue ; and a third by Spark's Avenue and Mam- 
moth Dome. 

A short distance beyond the Scotchman's Trap, 
in what is termed the Lower Branch, there occurs a 
curiously shaped rock, named the Shanghai Chicken, 
from its fancied resemblance to that animal. 



SECTION VIII. 

FAT MAN'S MISERY AND GREAT RELIEF. 

Fat Man's Misery is a narrow, tortuous avenue, 
fifty yards in length, which has been cut out of the 
solid rock by the mechanical action of the water. 
The lower part of the avenue varies in width from a 
l\)ot and a half to three feet, and the upper part from 



MAMMOTH CAVE. 35 

four to ten feet. In hight it varies from four to 
eight feet. 

Contrary to the general impression, there never 
was a man too large to pass through Fat Man's 
Misery. 

Great, Relief, which is entered on leaving Fat 
Man's Misery, varies in width from forty to sixty 
feet, and in hight from five to twenty feet. From 
the ceiling, immense nodules of ferruginous lime- 
stone project. 

On the floor of Great Relief, the direction of the 
current of water that filled these avenues can be 
traced. Thus, at the side next Fat Man's Misery, it 
is strewn with gravel, near the center sand occurs, 
and still further on mud is deposited ; demonstrat- 
ing the fact that it flowed into Echo River. 

The avenue termed Bunyan's Way, passes directly 
over Great Relief, and enters it a short distance from 
Fat Man's Misery, by which communication is estab- 
lished with Pensacola Avenue. 



SECTION IX. 
RIVER HALL AND BACON CHAMBER. 

River Hall extends from Great Relief to the 
River Styx. It varies in width from forty to sixty 
feet. 

The Bacon Chamber is situated to the right of 
River Hall. It receives its name from the fact that 
email masses of rock project from the ceiling, which 
in size and appearance resemble bacon haras. They 
were formed by the solvent action of water charged 
with carbonic acid, when the lower portion of them 
rested against a stratum of rock which has since 
been detached. 



36 MAMMOTH CAVE. 

The avenue which leads to the Mammoth Dome 
and Spark's Avenue, takes its origin in the Bacon 
Chamber. 



SECTION X. 
THE DEAD SEA. 



About forty feet below the terrace which leads to 
the Natural Bridge, is a collection of water, fifteen 
feet deep, twenty wide, and fifty feet in length, 
termed the Dead Sea. It is quite as gloomy in 
appearance as its celebrated namesake. 

When the Cave was first discovered, the Dead Sea 
was passed on the terrace over its left bank, which, 
however, was attended with great danger. 



SECTION XI. 
RIVER STYX Al^D THE NATURAL BRIDGE. 

The Eiver Styx is one hundred and fifty yards 
long, from fifteen to forty in width, and in depth 
varies from thirty to forty feet. It has a subter- 
ranean communication with other rivers of the Cave, 
and when Grreen River rises to a considerable hight, 
has an open communication with all of them. 

The Natural Bridge spans the Iliver Styx, and is 
about thirty feet above it. When the far bank of 
the Iliver Styx is illuminated with a Bengal Light, 
the view from the Natural Bridge is awfully sublime. 



i 



MAMMOTH CAVE. 37 

SECTION XII. 

LAKE LETHE. 

Lake Lethe is one hundred and fifty yards long, 
from ten to forty feet wide, and in depth varies from 
three to thirty feet. The ceiling of the avenue at 
this point is ninety feet above the surface of the 
Lake. Lake Lethe extends in the direction of the 
avenue, the floor of which is covered by it. Visit- 
ors in taking the Long Route, cross it in boats. 



SECTION xin. 

THE GREAT WALK. 



The Great Walk extends from Lake Lethe to Echo 
River, a distance of five hundred yards. The ceil- 
ing is forty feet high, and the rocks which compose 
it, present a striking resemblance to cumulous clouds. 
They are composed of white limestone. The floor is 
covered with yellow sand. 

A rise of five feet water in Echo River overflows 
Great Walk, and gives a depth of water sufficient to 
allow the boats to pass from Lake Lethe to Echo 
River. There are times when Great Walk is filled 
with water from the floor to the ceiling. In fact it 
is not an uncommon occurrence for the water to rise 
to a hight of sixty feet in Lake Lethe, by which 
the iron railing on the terrace above the Dead Sea is 
entirely submerged. This great rise of water is pro- 
duced by a freshet in Green River. 



38 MAMMOTH CAYE. 

SECTION XIT. 
ECHO EIVER. 

Echo River extends from Great Walk to the com» 
meneement of Silliman's Avenue, a distance of tLree- 
quarters of a mile. 

The avenue at the entrance of Echo River, under 
ordinary circumstances, is about three feet in hight, 
but immediately beyond that point, to the end, aver- 
ages about fifteen feet. It varies in width from 
twenty to two hundred feet, and in depth from ten 
to thirty feet. 

When there has been no rise in Green River for 
several weeks, the water in Echo River becomes 
remarkably transparent, so much so in fact, that 
rocks can be seen ten and twenty feet below the 
surface, and the boat appears as though it were 
gliding through the air. The connection between 
Echo and Green rivers, is near the commencement 
of Silliman's Avenue. When Green River is rising, 
Echo River runs in the direction of the Great Walk ; 
when it is falling, the current sets in the opposite 
direction. When Green River is neither rising nor 
falling, the water of Echo River runs slowly in the 
direction of Silliman's Avenue, and is supplied from 
springs in the Cave. At such times the temperature 
of it is 59 degrees. When the water of Green River 
flows into Echo River, at a temperature higher than 
that of the Cave, a fog is produced, which in point 
of density is not inferior to that oflf the banks of 
Newfoundland. Inexperienced persons have been 
lost in the fog on Echo River. 

A rise of three feet water in Echo River will close 
the avenue through which it runs near its entrance, 
which, however, does not cut off all communication 
beyond it, as there is a small avenue, called Purga- 



MAMMOTU CAVE. 39 

tory, commencing at the end of Great Walk, and 
terminating in the avenue of Echo River, about a 
quarter of a mile from the landing in Silliman's 
Avenue. A rise of eighteen feet water, however, 
fills the avenue of Purgatory, and cuts off all com- 
munication with the outer world. 

Among the great curiosities of the Cave may be 
mentioned the eyeless fish and crawfish of Echo. 
River. 

The fish are a peculiar species, and are viviparous, 
or give birth to their young alive, and do not deposit 
eggs, after the manner of most other fish. They 
have rudiments of eyes, but no optic nerve, and are 
therefore incapable of being affected by the most 
intense light. The eyeless crawfish give birth to 
their young in the same manner as those provided 
with eyes. Both the fish and crawfish are perfectly 
white. 

Ordinary fish and crawfish are sometimes washed 
into the Cave from Green River. Frogs are also 
sometimes washed into Echo River, and may be heard 
croaking to the echo of their own voices. 

The eyeless fish prey upon each other. In shape 
they resemble the common catfish, but rarely exceed 
eight inches in length. 



SECTION XV. 
SILLIMAN'S AVENUE. 



Silliman's Avenue is a mile and a half long, and 
extends from Echo River to the pass of El Ghor. 
It varies in hight from twent) to forty feet, and in 
width, from twenty to two hundred feet. The walls 
and ceiling of this avenue are rugged and water- 



40 MAMMOTH CAVE. 

worn. It is undoubtedly of recent formation, as 
compared to the other parts of the Cave. 

The objects of interest in Silliman's Avenue, come 
in the following order : 

1. Cascade Hall is two hundred feet in diameter, 
and twenty feet high. It receives its name from 
a small cascade that falls into it from the ceiling 
The avenue which leads to Roaring River, takes itf 
origin in Cascade Hall. 

2. Dripping Spring is a pool of water that is sup- 
plied from the ceiling. Stalactites and stalagmites 
are found at this point. 

3. The Infernal Region receives its name from the 
fact that the floor is composed of wet clay, and is 
exceedingly irregular. It is almost impossible to 
pass over it without receiving a fall. 

4. The Sea Serpent is a tortuous crevice in the 
rock over head, that has been cut by running water, 
the layer of rock that formed the floor of it having 
been detached. 

5. The Valley Way-Side Cut is a small avenue 
leading ofi" from Silliman's Avenue, and returning 
into it a short distance further on. It presents sev- 
eral beautiful points, and is worth exploring. 

6. The Hill of Fatigue is hard to climb, but is not 
otherwise worthy of note. 

7. The Great Western is an immense rock, many 
times larger than any vessel, the end of which closely 
resembles the stern of a ship. The rudder is turned 
to the starboard side. 

8. The Rabbit is a large stone which closely 
resembles the animal whose name it bears. 

9. Ole Bull's Concert Room is situated to the left 
of the avenue. It is thirty feet wide, forty long, and 
twenty high. When Ole Bull made his first tour 
through the United States, he visited the Cave, and 
performed in the room which has received his namQ. 



MAMMOTH CAVE. 41 

10. Silliman's Avenue is named in honor of Pro- 
fessor B. Silliman, Sen., of Yale College. 



SECTION XYI. 
BHODA'S ABCADE AND IiUCTS DOME. 

Rhoda's Arcade, which arises in Silliman's Ave- 
nue, a half mile from the Pass El Ghor, is five hun- 
dred yards in length, and from five to ten feet in 
hight. The walls and ceiling are incrusted with 
the crystals of gypsum and carbonate of lime, of 
great brilliancy and indescribable beauty. The floor 
is covered with white crystals of limestone, and is 
unobstructed by fallen rock. In point of beauty 
there is no avenue superior to this. 

Lucy's Dome is reached by passing through Rho- 
da's Arcade. It is about sixty feet in its greatest 
diameter, and over three hundred in hight, being 
the highest dome in the Cave. The sides appear to 
be composed of immense curtains, extending from 
the ceiling to the floor. 



SECTION XVII. 
THE PASS OF EL GHOR. 



The Pass of El Ghor resembles Silliman's Ave- 
nue, but the cliffs composing its walls present a more 
wild and rugged appearance. It is about two miles 
in length. 

The objects of interest in this avenue, present 
themselves in the following order : 

1. The Hanging Rocks look as though they were 



€2 MAMMOTH CAVE. 

on the point of falling and closing the avenue over 
which they are suspended ; but no rock has been 
known to fall from the walls or ceiling in any part 
of the Mammoth Cave, since its discovery. 

2. The Fly Chamber receives its name from the 
fact that crystals of black gypsum, of the size of a 
common house-fly, project from the ceiling in great 
numbers. 

3. Table Rock is twenty feet long, and projects 
from the left side of the avenue about ten feet. It 
is about two feet in thickness. 

4. The Crown is six feet in diameter, and is situ- 
ated on the right side of the avenue, about ten feet 
from the floor. It closely resembles the object after 
which it is named. 

5. Boone's Avenue leads ofi" to the left. It has 
been explored for about a mile, but nothing further 
is known as to its extent or dimensions. 

6. Corinna's Dome rests directly over the center 
of the avenue. It is forty feet high and nine wide. 
It was formed by the solvent action of water, which 
entered it through a fissure at the top, when the 
Pass of El Ghor was filled with water. Had it been 
formed after the water had left the avenue, there 
would have been a pit beneath it, as shown at Shel- 
by's Dome and the Bottomless Pit. 

7. The Black Hole of Calcutta is situated on the 
left side of the avenue, and is about fifteen feet 
deep. 

8. Stella's Dome is two hundred and fifty feet in 
hight, and in general appearance resembles Lucy's 
Dome. It is reached by passing through a small 
avenue which enters the left wall of the Pass of P^l 
Ghor. 

9. The Chimes consist of depending rocks, which, 
when struck, emit a musical sound. 

10. Wellington's (rallery is not attractive. 



MAMMOTH CAVE. 43 

11. Hebe's Spring is about four feet in diameter, 
and a foot and a half in depth, the water of which is 
charged with sulphureted hydrogen. Fifteen years 
ago there was no sulphur in this spring, and at the 
present time, when it has been undisturbed for sev- 
eral hours, pure water may be dipped from the sur- 
face, and sulphur water from the bottom ; indicating 
the fact that it is supplied with sulphur water at the 
bottom, and pure water near the surface, which come 
from entirely dififerent sources. 

12. Eyeless crawfish have been found in Hebe's 
Spring. 

13. A half mile beyond Hebe's Spring, the Pass 
of El Grhor communicates with a body of water, the 
extent of which is unknown, called Mystic River. 



SECTION XYIII. 
MARTHA'S VINEYARD. 

The avenue which contains Martha's Vineyard, is 
elevated twenty feet above the Pass of El Ghor, and 
is reached by ascending a ladder near Hebe's Spring. 

The walls and ceiling of Martha's Vineyard are 
studded with stalactite nodules of carbonate of lime, 
which are colored with black oxyd of iron, which, 
in size and appearance resemble grapes. A stalac- 
tite three inches in diameter, and extending from the 
floor to the ceiling, is termed the Grape Vine. 

A large stalagmite projects from the right wall, 
a few inches from the floor, and is termed the Bat- 
tering Ram. 



44 MAMMOTH CAVE. 

SECTION XIX. 

ELINDO AVENUE, AND THE HOLY SEPULCHEE. 

Elindo Avenue arises directly over the Pass of 
El Ghor. It presents no points of special interest, 
except that the avenue which leads to the Holy Sep- 
ulchre, which is situated directly over Martha's 
Vineyard, and which contains a fine collection of 
stalactites, arises in it. 



SECTION XX. 
WASHINGTON HALL AND SNOWBALL ROOM. 

Washington Hall is sixty feet wide, twenty high 
and one hundred in length. This point is generally 
reached between twelve and one o'clock, and is the 
place selected as the dining-room. Cans of oil are 
also kept in this room, from which the lamps arp 
replenished. Although the lamps are capable of 
holding oil sufficient to burn ten hours, the depots 
for it are so arranged that they can be filled every 
five hours. 

Marion's Avenue, which arises in Washington 
Hall, leads to Paradise, Zoe's Grotto, and Portia's 
Parterre. These avenues will form the subject for 
a future chapter. 

The Snowball Room is situated between Wash- 
ington Hall and Cleveland's Cabinet. The ceiling 
is studded with white nodules of gypsum, which vary 
from two to four inches in diameter. The atmos- 
phere of the room is too damp for the gypsum to 
assume the forms of flowers and filaments, as it does 



MAMMOTH CAVE. 45 

in Cleveland's Cabinet. The resemblance of these 
nodules to snowballs is complete. 



SECTION XXI. 
CLEVELAND'S CABINET. 



Cleveland's Cabinet is a mile and three quarters 
long, sixty feet wide, and from ten to twenty feet in 
bight. 

The walls and ceiling of this avenue are literally 
lined with alabaster flowers of every conceivable 
variety, and indescribable beauty. 

On entering Cleveland's Cabinet, the objects of 
special interest present themselves in the following 
order: 

1. Mary's Bower is fifteen feet in hight, and forty 
in length, the walls and ceiling of which are covered 
with rosettes of gypsum. 

2. The Cross consists of two crevices in the ceil- 
ing, which intersect each other at right angles, and 
which are lined with flowers of the plaster of Paris. 
It is about eight feet in length, 

3. The Mammary Ceiling is formed of nipple- 
shaped projections of gypsum. 

4. The Last Rose of Summer is about eight inches 
in diameter, and is of snowy whiteness. It rests 
against the ceiling, in the center of the avenue. 

5. The Dining Table is fifteen feet wide and thirty 
long. It consists of a flat rock that has been de- 
tached from the ceiling. 

6. Bacchus's Glory is an alcove, three feet in hight, 
and five feet in length, the whole interior of which 
is lined with nodules of gypsum, which in size and 



46 MAMMOTH CAVE. 

form resemble grapes. It is situated to the left of 
the Dining Table. 

7. St. Cecilia's Grotto is remarkable for the size of 
the stucco flowers found in it. 

8. Diamond Grotto is lined with crystals of sel- 
enite. which, when a light is waved to and fro in' 
front of them, sparkle like the gem after which the 
grotto is named. 

9. Charlotte's Grotto is the terminus of Cleveland's 
Cabinet. The walls are covered with fibrous gyp- 
sum. 

10. Cleveland's Cabinet is named in honor of Pro- 
fessor Cleveland, the distinguished mineralogist. 



SECTION XXII. 
ROCKY MOUNTAIN AND DISMAL HOLLOW. 

The Eocky Mountain is one hundred feet high, 
and is formed entirely of rocks that have fallen from 
above. On the top of the Rocky Mountain there is 
a stalagmite, two feet high, and six inches in diam- 
eter, termed Cleopatra's Needle. 

On the far side of the Rocky Mountain is a gorge 
seventy feet deep, and one hundred wide, termed 
Dismal Hollow. 

The Cave, at the Mountain, divides into three 
branches. That to the right leads to Sandstone 
Dome, which is interesting from the fact that the 
stone of which it is composed indicates that the top 
of the Dome is very near the surface of the earth. 
The branch to the left communicates with Groghan's 
Hall. The central one is termed Franklin Avenue, 
and extends from Dismal Hollow to Serena's Arbor. 



MAMMOTH CAVE. 47 

SECTION XXIII. 
FRANKLIN AVENUE AND SERENA'S ARBOR. 

Frankli>j's Avenue, as before stated, extends 
from Dismal Hollow to Serena's x\rbor, a distance of 
a quarter of a mile. It varies in length from thirty 
to sixty feet. It has a wild and gloomy appearance. 

Serena's Arbor is twenty feet in diameter, and 
about forty in hight. The walls and ceiling are 
covered with stalactitic cornices, columns, grooves, 
ogees, etc., many of which are semi-transparent and 
sonorous. 



SECTION XXIV. 
GROGHAN'S HALL AND THE MAELSTROM. 

Groghan's Hall, which constitutes the end of the 
Long Route, is about seventy feet wide and twenty 
high. The left wall is covered with stalactitic for- 
mations, which are white and semi-transparent, and 
of great hardness, fragments of which are worked 
into ornaments. 

The Maelstrom is a pit, which is one hundred and 
seventy-five feet deep and twenty wide. There are 
avenues leading from the bottom, which may be seen 
when a light is lowered into it, but which have been 
imperfectly explored. 

A peculiar kind of rat is sometimes found in Grog' 
ban's Hall, as well as other parts of the Cave, which 
is a size larger than the Norway rat. The head and 
eyes resemble those of the rabbit, and the hair of 
the back is like that of the gray squirrel, but that 
of the legs and abdomen is white. Cave crickets 
and lizards are also found there. 



48 MAMMOTH CAVE. 

The Cave crickets are about an inch long. The 
body is yellow, striped with black. They are pro- 
vided with large eyes, but seem to direct their course 
mainly by their antennae or feelers, which are enor- 
mously developed. They are sluggish in their move- 
ments, and, unlike other crickets, observe an eternal 
silence. 

The Cave lizards vary in length from three to five 
inches. The eye is large and prominent. The body 
is yellow and dotted with black spots, and is semi- 
transparent. They are sluggish in their movements. 

The abundance of animal life at this point would 
seem to indicate that there is a communication with 
the surface of the earth at no great distance. 

Bats are found in all parts of the Cave. 




CHAPTER y. 
GOTHIC ARCADE. 

The Gothic Arcade is entered from the Main Cave 
by ascending a flight of steps, fifteen feet in hight, 
to the right of the Gothic Galleries. The objects 
worthy of note are the following : 

1. The Seat of the Mummy consists of a niche in 
the left wall of the avenue, about forty yards from 
the steps, just large enough for a human being to 
sit in. The body found in this niche was that of a 
female Indian, dressed in the skins of wild animals, 
and ornamented with the trinkets usually worn by 
the aborigines. A few feet distant, the body of an 
Indian child, attired in a similar manner, was dis- 
covered in a sitting posture, resting against the wall. 
They were both in a state of perfect preservation. 
There can be no doubt but they wandered into this 
avenue, and becoming bewildered, sat down and died 
in the position in which they were found. 

A person lost in the Mammoth Cave, without any 
hope of escape, would undoubtedly die in a very 
short time. That this is the case, the history of 
those who have been lost in it would seem to prove. 

Thus, on one occasion a gentleman wandered from 
his party, when by some accident his lamp was ex- 
tinguished. In endeavoring to make his escape, he 
became alarmed, and finally insane, and crawling be- 
5 (49) 



50 MAMMOTH CAVE. 

liind a large rock, remained in that position for forty- 
eight hours; and although the guides repeatedly 
passed the rock behind which he was secreted, in 
search for him, he did not make the slightest noise, 
and when finally discovered, endeavored to make his 
escape from them, but was too much exhausted to 
run. 

In another instance a lady allowed her party to 
get so far in advance that their voices could no 
longer be heard, and in attompting to overtake them, 
fell and extinguished her lamp, when she became so 
terrified at her situation that she swooned, and when 
discovered a few minutes afterward, and restored, 
was found to be in a state of insanity, from which 
she did not recover for a number of years. 

Not a year passes but the guides have to go in 
search of persons who have been foolhardy enough 
to leave their party, and who in every instance be- 
come speedily bewildered, and when discovered are 
in the act of crying, or at prayer. In such cases the 
guides are overpowered with kisses, embraces, and 
other demonstrations of gratitude. 

The proper course for persons to pursue when lost 
in the Cave, is for them to remain in the place 
where they first became confused, and not to stir 
from it until rescued by the guides. They will not 
have to wait more than from three to ten hours from 
the time at which they should have returned to the 
Hotel. 

2. A short distance from the Seat of the Mummy 
is a large stalactite which extends from the floor to 
the ceiling, termed the Post Oak, from its fancied 
resemblance to a variety of oak-tree that grows near 
the Cave. 

3. The First Echo is the name given to that part 
of Gothic Arcade which passes over Pensacola Ave- 



MAMMOTH CAVK. 5f 

nue, the floor of which, when forcibly struck, emits a 
hollow sound. 

4. The Register Room is about three hundred 
feet long, forty wide, and from eight to sixteen in 
hight. The ceiling is white, and as smooth as 
though it had been plastered. In this room hun- 
dreds of persons have displayed their bankruptcy in 
everything pertaining to good breeding and taste by 
tracing their obscure names on the ceiling with the 
smoke of a candle. 

5. Gothic Chapel is a large room, the ceiling of 
which appears to be supported by gigantic stalactites, 
which extend to the floor. When a number of lamps 
are hung upon these columns, this room presents a 
beautiful appearance. 

6. Vulcan's Smithy is a room the floor of which is 
strewn with stalagmitic nodules, colored with black 
oxyd of iron, which resemble the cinders of a black- 
smith's shop. 

7. Bonaparte's Breastworks consist of a ledge of 
rocks that have been detached from the side of the 
avenue against which they rest, 

8. The Arm Chair is formed by the union of sta- 
lagmites and stalactites. 

9. The Elephant's Head is a large stalagmite 
which projects from the left wall of the avenue. 

10. The Lover's Leap consists of a rock which 
projects about sixteen feet over a pit which is sev- 
enty feet deep. 

IL Elbow Crevice is fifty feet in hight, from three 
to five in width, and twenty in length. It is another 
Fat Mans Misery, on an enlarged scale. 

12. Gatewood's Dining Table is a flat rock which 
has been detached from the ceiling. It is about 
twelve feet long and eight wide, and is named after 
one of the saltpeter miners. 



52 > , MAMMOTH CAVE. 

13. Napoleon^s Dome is fifty feet high, and from 
twenty to thirty wide. It was formed in the same 
manner as, and resembles Corinna's Dome, in the 
Pass of El Ghor. 

14. Lake Purity is a pool of perfectly transparent 
water, situated directly under Vulcan's Smithy. 

A half mile beyond Lake Purity the Gothic Ar- 
oade terminates in a dome and small cascade. 




CHAPTER VI. 

THE LABYRINTH AND GORIN'S DOME. 

The Labyrinth is entered from the Deserted 
Chamber, by descending a pair of steps. It is a 
narrow, rugged causeway, and the only object of in- 
terest in it, is the figure of the American Eagle on 
the left wall. 

Gorin's Dome is reached by passing over a small 
bridge and ascending a ladder, ten feet in hight, in 
the labyrinth. It is viewed from a natural window, 
situated half way between the floor and the ceiling 
of the Dome. It is about two hundred feet in hight, 
and sixty feet across its widest part. The far side 
presents a striking resemblance to an immense cur- 
tain, which extends from the ceiling to within forty 
feet of the floor. 

Grorin's Dome was formed in the same manner as 
the Side-Saddle Pit. 

When the far end of the Dome, which is reached 
by passing through a small avenue to the right, is 
illuminated by a Bengal light, the view is terribly 
sublime. 

There are avenues which communicate with the top 
and bottom of the Dome. When Echo River rises, 
the floor of the Dome is covered with water, in which 
eyeless fish are sometimes caught. 

Gorin's Dome bears the name of its discoverer. 

(53) 



CHAPTER VII. 

PENSACOLA AVENUE. 

Pensacola Avenue is about a mile in length, 
from eight to sixty feet in hight, and from thirty to 
one hundred in width. It is entered from Revelers' 
Hall. 

The following are the subjects worthy of exami- 
nation : 

1. The Sea-Turtle is about thirty feet in diameter. 
The rock of which it is composed has fallen from the 
ceiling. 

2. The Wild Hall in size and appearance resem- 
bles Bandit's Hall. Bunyan's Way, which commu- 
nicates with Great Relief, enters Pensacola Avenue 
at this point. 

3. Snowball Arched Way receives its name from 
the fact that its ceiling is covered with nodules of 
gypsum, like those in the Snowball Room. 

4. The Great Crossing is the point at which four 
avenues take their origin. 

5. Mat's Arcade is fifty yards long, thirty feet 
wide, and sixty in hight. 

Between the floor and ceiling there are four beau- 
tiful terraceg, which extend the full length of the 
Arcade, 

There is a collection of beautiful stalactites, called 
the Pine-Apple Bush, in Mat's Arcade. 
(54) 



MAMMOTH < AVK. 



55 



6. The ceiling and walls of Angelico Grotto are 
incrusted with crystals of* carbonate of lirae. 

Pensacola Avenue terminates about a half mile 
beyond Angelico Grotto, in a low archway. 




CHAPTER VIII. 

SPARK'S AVENUE AND MAMMOTH DOME. 

Spark's Avenue extends from the River Hall to 
Mammoth Dome, a distance of three quarters of a 
mile. 

The objects of interest in this Avenue are the fol- 
lowing : 

1. Bandit's Hall is sixty feet long, and forty wide, 
the floor of which is covered with large rocks that 
have been detached from the ceiling. 

To the right of Bandit's Hall is an avenue of 
great extent, which has not been fully explored, 
called Brigg's Avenue. 

2. Newman's Spine is about ten feet in length, 
and consists of a crevice in the center of the ceiling, 
which is the exact image of a cast of a gigantic back- 
bone. 

3. Sylvan Avenue extends from Spark's Avenue 
to Clarissa's Dome, and is about three hundred yards 
in length. This avenue contains a number of ferru- 
ginous limestone logs, which vary from five to fifteen 
inches in diameter. Some of them appear to be 
chopped in half; others have lost a portion of bark, 
displaying a white surface of petrous wood ; and 
others again look as though they were in a state of 
partial decay. Anywhere else these masses of stone 
would be taken for petrified wood. 

(56) 



MAMMOTH CAVE. 57 

Clarissa's Dome is entered at its base. It resem- 
bles Gorin's Dome, but is much smaller. 

4. Bennett's Point is directly opposite Sylvan 
Avenue, where the Avenue turns at an acute angle 
to the right. The floor of the Avenue at this point 
is covered with yellow sand. 

5. Bishop's Gorge is a low and narrow part of the 
Avenue which is passed with difficulty. 

Spark's Avenue is named in honor of Mr. C. A. 
Sparks, of New York. 

The Mammoth Dome is viewed from a terrace 
about forty feet from its base. It is two hundred 
and fifty feet in hight, and in appearance closely 
resembles Gorin's Dome, but is more than five times 
as large. At the left extremity of the Dome, there 
are five large pillars cut out of the solid rock, called 
the Corinthian Columns. 

The awful sublimity of this Dome, when strongly 
illuminated, exceeds anything ever pictured to a 
mind frenzied by opium or hasheesh. 

The Mammoth Dome is still enlarging. 




CHAPTER IX. 
ROARING RIVER. 

The avenue which eomnmnicates with Roariug 
River is entered at Cascade Hall, and is a half mile 
in length. Roaring River resembles Echo River iii 
size and appearance, but has a louder echo. There 
is a cascade which falls into it, from which proceeds 
roaring sounds, and from which it has received its 
name. 

Eyeless fish and Crawfish are found in Roaring 
River, as well as sunfish and black crawfish, both of 
which are provided with eyes. 
(58) 






■^^#^ 



CHAPTER X. 

MARION'S AVENUE. 

Marion's Avenue is about a mile and a half long, 
and arises in Washington Hall. It varies from twen- 
ty to sixty feet in width, and from eight to forty in 
bight. The floor is covered with sand, and the walla 
are composed of white limestone, which resembles 
cumulous clouds. The far end of the Avenue di- 
vides into two branches, that to the right leading 
to Paradise and Portia's Parterre, and that to the 
left to Zoe's Grotto. 

The walls and ceiling of the avenue termed Para- 
dise, are covered with gypsum flowers. There is a 
dome in Paradise Avenue, which is composed of 
sandstone. It is called Digby's Dome. 

Portia's Parterre is entered from the left wall of 
Paradise Avenue. It is a half mile in length, and 
contains the same kind of flowers that are found in 
Cleveland's Cabinet. It was discovered about two 
years ago, and is commonly known as the New Dis- 
covery. 

(59) 



CHAPTER XI. 
WHITE'S CAVE. 

The entrance to White's Cave is situated about 
half a mile from Cave Hotel, and although it is really 
a part of the Mammoth Gave, yet there is no direct 
communication between the two. 

It is remarkable for the beauty and variety of the 
stalactites and stalagmites that are found in it, and 
is well worth exploring. 

White's Cave is about five hundred yards in length. 



CONCLUDING REMARKS. 

There are about one hundred and fifty avenues 
in the Mammoth Cave that have been explored, many 
of which, however, are never entered by visitors, and 
which, consequently, we have not attempted to de- 
scribe. The total length of all the avenues has been 
estimated at one hundred miles, which probably falls 
far short of the actual distance. It must not be sup- 
posed, however, that the Cave has been fully explored, 
for there are hundreds of avenues that have never 
been entered, much less explored, many of which, 
we have every reason to suppose, are as large as any 
that have been examined. 
(60) 



RICHERSON OR DIAMOND CAVE. 

This cave was discovered in 1859, and is situated 
one and a half miles from Bell's Station, on the 
Mammoth Cave Road. Visitors to the Mammoth 
Cave, by stopping at Bell's Station, can have an 
opportunity of visiting this Cave on their trips to 
or from the Mammoth Cave; or, they can at all 
times find conveyances at Bell's Station, or the Mam- 
moth Cave, to convey them to Diamond Cave. 

The beauties of Diamond Cave consist in its beau- 
tiful stalactite formations, which are not surpassed 
by those of any other cave in America. 

Visitors to Mammoth Cave, can procure a Guide 
Book, descriptive of Diamond Cave, at Bell's Station, 
or Mammoth Cave. 

George M. Procter. 

(61) 



